BMW reveals smart scooter concept that always knows where you want to go – and can even adjust its seat to the size of a rider’s behind
By MARK PRIGG FOR DAILY MAIL
- ‘BMW Motorrad Concept Link’ uses electric battery packs, and even features a reverse gear
- Has a touchscreen dashboard, and can be paired with a new smart motorcycles jacket that can change settings on the bike with a swipe on its sleeve
- Can integrate with online calenders to automatically set destinations, and project directions onto windscreen
BMW has given a glimpse of the future of urban motorcycles – and they claim it is all about electric.
The ‘BMW Motorrad Concept Link’ uses radical electric battery packs stored in its base, and even features a reverse gear to make parking simple.
It has a touchscreen dashboard, and can be connected to the rider’s online calender so it always knows where they want to go.
The ‘BMW Motorrad Concept Link’ has a touchscreen dashboard, and can be connected to the rider’s online calender so it always knows where they want to go.
The concept even features a smart seat that can automatically adjust to suit each rider.
The concept is also said to be extremely fast – although BMW has refused to release more details on its speed.
BMW hopes the concept could kickstart a new type of vehicle.
‘The technical realities of electric drive – such as the flat energy packs in the underfloor and the compact drive on the rear wheel – allowed us to create a highly distinctive design which shapes a new segment,’ said explains Alexander Buckan, Head of Vehicle Design at BMW Motorrad.
‘The resulting expressive power of the vehicle is absolutely new for BMW Motorrad and breaks with all conventional viewing patterns.’
BMW says the concept blends fast acceleration and easy handling.
Due to its low overall height, getting on is easy from the side or even from the back.
A reverse gear ensures that it is easy to manoeuvre, making it ideal to park in tight city spaces.
It also boasts a unique smart seat.
‘The seat bench can be adjusted lengthwise to suit every preference,’ said BMW.
In the centre section, underneath the seat bench, a luggage compartment offers versatile storage opportunities.
The rider can access this quickly and easily at all times using a sliding door.
The machine also has a smart windscreen that can show directions.
‘It keeps the rider connected while riding, thereby expanding his mobile world by providing him with new opportunities, says BMW.
The Concept vehicle knows what’s in the rider’s calendar and therefore his next destinations.
As a result it can plan the fastest or most scenic route and even select the most suitable music if required.
Instead of a classic instrument cluster, speed, navigation and battery information is projected onto the windshield directly into the rider’s field of vision.
Secondary information is displayed on the large-surface panel below the handlebars.
The panel enables a large number of possible ways of interacting with the outside world and for communicating with other vehicles.
The touch sensitive surface of the large-size panel displays and controls extensive infotainment, connectivity and routing information.
Freely programmable, touch-enabled buttons on the handlebars allow the rider to access preferred and frequently used functions without having to remove his hands from the handlebars.
On the BMW Motorrad Concept Link, the rider equipment is also connected to the vehicle.
To highlight this connection, a motion on the arm of the jacket opens and closes the sliding door of the luggage compartment.
A stitch on the arm signifies the active area.
The rider wear is also a fashion statement and deliberately not recognisable as motorcycle gear.
Light shoulder and elbow protectors have been integrated into the stylish short coat made of water-repellent loden cloth.
However they are not visible in the modern cut of the coat.
The concept is the latest in a series of vehicles designed to show the future of transport.
Dubbed the MiniVision Next 100, the car design claims to focus on combining environmental responsibility and futuristic technology.
BMW has been producing cars for 100 years, from the iconic Mini series to the luxurious Rolls-Royce.
To celebrate their centennial birthday, the company designed three futuristic concept cars that they believe will be the future of motoring.
Now, it is claimed BMW and MINI have successfully developed the car that changes colours based on the driver’s mood.
According to Bloomberg, it recently showed off a prototype to staff. at a special training event at a Munich test track
‘In the corners, BMW shows off the vehicles it sees as key to its future: a self-driving iNext with a retractable steering wheel; a Rolls-Royce whose roof and sides swing open to allow a comfortable exit; a Mini designed for sharing that changes colors to suit the driver’s mood,’ Bloomberg says.
When the car was first revealed, Andy Warming, Head of the Mini Design Studio, said: ‘The Mini of the future embodies a totally new form of shared mobility – sustainable, emotional and inspirational.
‘The driving experience forms the centrepiece and is surrounded by other intelligent services.’
The idea for the future mini will be around sharing rather than owning.
On their website, BMW said: ‘The Mini of the future no longer waits all day for its owner, but is always on the move as a mobility partner for a Mini community.
‘[It] harnesses its intelligence to tailor the mobility experience to the differing needs of each and every customer.’
The car features personalisation options for each driver and a self-driving mode so it can drive itself between co-owners.
A large focus for BMW in the future is on environmental responsibility, so the Mini makes use of recycled plastic and aluminium in the floor area, roof lining, and side-panel.
The vehicle is also wrapped in a material that allows it to change colour from the default silver, to whichever colour the driver would like.
In fact, the car will be able to recognise users and change its settings accordingly.
BMW said: ‘The Mini will acquaint itself with the schedule for the day, the next few stop-offs on the route and the driver’s preferences.
‘It then adapts the whole greeting process, the lighting etc. and all the car’s pre-sets accordingly.’
The future Rolls-Royce has also been unveiled, which will be a six metre, self-driving vehicle, complete with a smart assistant called Eleanor.
All three vehicles are still concepts, and none are expected to go on sale any time soon.
However, their ideas give us a glimpse into what the future could hold for the car industry.
IMAGES: BMW
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